When given this module I was very excited to explore the means of building content for a makeup portfolio. The purpose of this this module is to push my level 5 hair and makeup skills through live briefs for my final portfolio images. Being able to conduct shoots by networking with models and photographers brought my visual concepts a reality. When starting this module, I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to conduct my ideas to paper, because most people were too busy to be a part of my portfolio development. Advertising on popular Facebook platforms on a TFP basis I was able to eventually get models and photographers for my photoshoots.

When I wasn’t able to find photographers I took it upon myself to be the technician for a few shoots, by being confident with using photography equipment such as lighting, setting up a backdrop and camera I was able to produce some strong visuals to put into my portfolio. Being able to resolve issues such as lighting placement and ISO settings showed my level 5 problem solving skills. Taking my own rooms and making them into a home studio really opened my eyes that not all images have to be studio based as long as you have the correct equipment and camera settings.
I feel throughout my progression with this module I was able to give myself action plans on what I would do better next time. Using the Gibbs reflective cycle I was able to reflect, analyse and improve my work. Because of Gibbs reflective cycle I can now chose the stronger work for my final portfolio images to showcase my hair and makeup skills. When looking at the technical side of the behind the scenes I had to set up two soft boxes a ring light behind the model and myself and also a reflector for some photos. I also used a projector for my final videography, in which I wanted to project moving imagery within situ to my movements to create a contemporary fashion editorial vibe. Taking inspiration from in industry artists such as David Fincher and Miss Fame, I was able to articulate my creative vision through watching behind the scenes footage from their Instagram videos. I really wanted to push myself with this module and not let the recent pandemic stop me from producing work therefore took it upon myself to creating more than one look to add interest to my video-footage. Being in close contact with a videographer he was able to help me bring my vision into technical terms by sending me a sample of what could be the final edit.

Because of this module I feel a lot more in depended and for my long term goal will be using my own photography skills to enhance my portfolio in the future. With this module I felt I was constantly learning and evolving, I feel there is a visual progression as seen through the blog posts from where I started to my final pages. This has built my confidence and also a better understanding of how a photographer might see my work in regards to composition and lighting. If it wasn’t for COVID-19 for my final posts I would have used models to showcase my makeup and hair skills, therefore my videography project is still open for future improvement for when the lockdown is over to creating some more artistic shots but with models and camera crew.

Throughout the my portfolio development module, I included behind the scenes videos in almost all posts, in which I felt gave a better visual understanding on what I was trying to achieve and why I wanted certain lighting or angles to be key in the shot. Evidencing my work through behind the scenes footage allowed me to authenticate how each shoot went and how people interacted on set.
When networking with photographers, I found it exciting that a lot of them wanted to take pictures of my makeup when co- planning photoshoots with other classmates that brought their own photographers as well. This has given me hope for future networking as I am now confident that my work is strong enough to publish onto social media platforms. Throughout my portfolio development I felt I kept on target with the industry I want to go into which is Film/Editorial and Theatre. When doing this module it allowed me to explore ways of building network relationships with photographers and models, creating a professional profile when on set for future teamwork. This module has allowed me to work as a team with other creative individuals as I was very open and relaxed with other people’s opinions about the shoots, as the end goal is for the final images to be strong and effective. I feel my blog portfolio will have an interesting diverse range of hair and makeup designs as well as videography for an added visual to grab future industry professional’s attention.
By creating this evaluation I am able to look back on how I managed my module and I feel the progression has enabled me to grow as an artist. Taking inspiration from artists such as Alex Box, Alex Malikov and the brand Illamasqua and MAC Cosmetics I was able to see what the standard of industry photos are. By selecting my final portfolio images I feel confident I have made the right choice for not including all shoots as I felt using the strongest work should be the most validated in my final portfolio post. I also feel my technical skills have evolved from where I first started to my most recent work so far. Thus concluding that this module will be an ongoing project that I will be forever evolving throughout my career as a freelance Hair and Makeup artist to creating high standard imagery and videography for potential jobs in the future for work placement. The technical skills that I had to face has made me more of a well-rounded freelance makeup artist and more confident to overcome problem solving.